Protecting Your Concrete from Winter Weather

Posted on Feb 13, 2017 1:55pm PST

Concrete is often used to build foundations, sidewalks, and driveways,
so knowing how to protect it can be important. If you have a
concrete driveway in Murfreesboro, then you should know that cold weather can take a toll on this material.
To help protect your concrete from the harsh effects of winter, consider
the following tips:

Avoid Salt

Exposure to salt can contribute to concrete damage. Sodium chloride, or
rock salt, is the cheapest type of deicing material and a commonly used
product in winter. However, you should avoid using rock salt on your property
if you want to protect your concrete driveway. Concrete is tough but porous,
meaning that it can absorb water from ice and snow melt, along with any
salt that it contains. When this happens, the salt mixture can refreeze
inside the concrete, expand, and cause the material to crack and break.
Furthermore, the salt can interact chemically with components of the concrete
and affect the bonds that hold the material together.

Use Sealer

One of the best things that you can do to protect your concrete from the
ravages of winter weather is to seal it. Ideally, you should seal the
slab once it cures after being poured. How soon you should seal concrete
after pouring it can depend on the sealer variety you are using. You’ll
find a wide range of concrete sealers available, and the one that’s
right for your property will depend on your needs. Sealing your concrete
can help prevent moisture and salt from affecting its integrity and is
an ideal way to protect the material.

Remove Snow

Since you shouldn’t use rock salt, then you’re probably wondering
how to deice your concrete slabs. First, use a shovel or snow blower to
remove snow from your driveway before it has a chance to thaw and form
ice. Then, scatter fine gravel or sand over the concrete to improve traction.
If you’re committed to using a deicing product, then shovel it up
immediately after it begins working to limit the amount that gets absorbed
by the concrete.